Justice Edward Ansah, Armed Fentanyl Trafficking, Virginia 2021

In a shocking turn of events, a Manassas man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and possessing a firearm during drug trafficking. Justice Edward Ansah, 26, is facing severe consequences for his actions.

According to court documents, Ansah conspired with others to distribute counterfeit, pressed pills containing fentanyl from May 2020 through December 2021. During this time, the defendant sold hundreds of thousands of fentanyl-laced pills to customers in northern Virginia.

At the time of his arrest in December 2021, Ansah was carrying a privately manufactured 9mm firearm devoid of a serial number or other unique identifier, commonly referred to as a ‘ghost gun.’ A search of his two residences in Manassas revealed a staggering amount of illicit substances, including over 6,700 grams of fentanyl, over 1,450 grams of cocaine, and tens of thousands of grams of marijuana and THC products.

The search also resulted in the discovery of two additional privately manufactured firearms devoid of serial numbers, two pistols, one rifle, various ammunition, and over $28,000 in cash. Ansah had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Virginia and was thus prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of this offense.

Ansah is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael C. Tucker is prosecuting the case. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Washington Field Division, in collaboration with the Prince William County Police.

With a history of prior convictions, Ansah’s decision to engage in fentanyl trafficking has put him in a precarious position. The severity of the charges and the evidence against him make it unlikely that he will receive a lenient sentence.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat the opioid crisis. As the investigation continues, it’s clear that Ansah’s actions will have far-reaching consequences for himself and those around him.

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